What Tom Browning's Wrigley Field rooftop appearance showed Cincinnati Reds fans

Tom Browning sent us a lasting message when he randomly showed up on that Wrigley Field rooftop in the middle of a game in 1993.

Yeah, it was funny. And fun. And odd. A ballplayer, in full uniform, sitting on a railing alongside beer-drinking fans while his Cincinnati Reds were playing the Chicago Cubs.

Above all, though, Browning showed he was one of us on that July afternoon. The moment was genuine. Browning was genuine. He was a regular guy who saw himself as no more important than anyone else, despite the World Series ring, the perfect game and the big-league riches.

It’s why the news of Browning’s sudden death on Monday hit Reds fans particularly hard. It feels like you lost a friend, whether you met Browning or not. He was 62.

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Fans mourn the loss of a Reds legend. But they also mourn the days of personally connecting with sports heroes. It’s hard to get close to today’s professional athletes. Heck, it was hard to get close to most of them in the 1980s and 1990s when Browning played.

It’s what made Browning special. He let us in, during and after his playing days. It feels extra personal because Browning stayed here after his 12-year big-league pitching career. He grew up in Casper, Wyoming, but his home was in suburban Northern Kentucky.

Browning stayed involved with the Reds and community. The Reds hall of famer showed up to the 1990 World Series team reunions, Redsfest, Opening Day parade and pretty much any other event the club asked him to attend since he retired from playing in 1995. He did fundraisers across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Browning was a wonderful storyteller, making him a hit wherever he showed up. He signed autographs. He took photos with fans. He didn’t big-time people. If asked, Browning was always happy to talk about his 1988 perfect game because he knew people were interested in hearing his perspective.

But Browning didn’t make a big deal of it. He used to tell the story about setting the ball from the perfect game on his mantle at home. His kids grabbed it one day, took it outside and played catch with the ball. And they lost it in the woods. Oh, well. That stuff didn't define Browning.

Browning’s personality isn’t the only way fans connected with him. His dad-bod physique and everyday look undoubtedly endeared him to baseball’s core fanbase of middle-aged fathers. He had a double chin, shaggy mane and 5 o’clock shadow. Browning wasn't ripped. He didn’t throw particularly hard.

He made those fans dream: If he can do it, then I can do it.

Except they couldn’t.

Browning was a crafty left-hander, a bulldog competitor and quick worker. He's one of only 23 major-league pitchers to ever throw a perfect game.

It’s heartening fans are remembering Browning for his ability to connect with them, the perfect game and successful playing career. Browning had some struggles. He was arrested in August for driving under the influence.

Mr. Perfect was imperfect. And maybe that helped fans to see him as even more real.

Contact columnist Jason Williams by email at jwilliams@enquirer.com and on Twitter @jwilliamscincy.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Tom Browning's Wrigley Field rooftop appearance showed Reds fans